Iowa firefighters now have one of the strongest presumptive cancer laws in the United States thanks to the enactment of House File (H.F.) 969, an update that has been shared by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
The new law expands the state’s disability program to cover all firefighter cancers and is the culmination of years of advocacy from the Iowa Professional Fire Fighters Association (IPFF) working to educate lawmakers about the risk occupational cancer poses to the fire service.
Iowa Professional Fire Fighters President Ryan Hanghian shared: “H.F. 969 will not only make a difference for our members, but it will give their families some peace of mind knowing that if their loved one receives a tragic diagnosis, they won’t be left behind.
“This was truly a team effort and I couldn’t be prouder of our members.
“Iowa’s lawmakers and firefighters have the same goal – we both want to protect our communities.
“I want to thank Governor Reynolds, Senator Webster, Representative Kaufman and all our legislators, from both parties, who came together to make this meaningful change possible.”
After securing nearly unanimous support in both chambers of the Iowa legislature, Governor Kim Reynolds (R) signed the bill into law during an event held at the Des Moines Fire Fighters Local 4 union hall earlier this month.
At the signing ceremony, Reynolds commented: “This legislation is the least that we can do for those willing to make countless sacrifices up to and including the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.”
Prior to the signing of H.F. 969, only 14 types of cancer were covered for fire fighters under the state’s presumptive health laws.
The IAFF has shared how the new law significantly broadens disability benefits for most of Iowa’s fire responders, ensuring they have the support they need should they face a cancer diagnosis.
General President of the IAFF, Edward Kelly added: “Thanks to the relentless advocacy and dedication of the Iowa Professional Fire Fighters, every firefighter in Iowa will now have the support they need if they develop cancer because of their job.
“President Hanghian and his members did incredible work getting this bill over the finish line.”
Despite significant shifts in Iowa’s political landscape in recent years, the IPFF has prioritized building strong relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Those relationships, alongside their results-driven political approach, were crucial to securing bipartisan support for H.F. 969 and expanding presumptive cancer legislation this session.
The IAFF has announced how Iowa firefighters have secure one of the strongest presumptive cancer laws in the United States thanks to the enactment of House File (H.F.) 969,
